Schools get go- ahead for live lessons online
Schools in Edinburgh have been given the go- ahead for live lessons over the internet when remote learning gets under way on Monday.
But education bosses say parents should not expect daily video conference- style classes from teachers to be the norm.
In the first lockdown last spring, some parents complained that the level of online learning was poor and there was no interaction with teachers.
At that time the city council did not allow the use of the camera function on the Microsoft Teams system used by schools to link up with pupils because of safeguarding issues.
But that policy has been changed and both camera and microphone can be used, which allows teachers and pupils to see each other.
However, remote learning arrangements will vary from school to school and the council expects live teaching over the internet to be limited.
Education convener Ian Perry said not every pupil had their own device and access to the internet and although the council was supplying families with laptops, there would still be a problem with siblings having to share.
And he added: "This type of teaching is different – there needs to be training because there has to be an interactive element. Not every school in Edinburgh is in a position to deliver this type of teaching."
Most remote learning this time is expected to involve pupils in online activities, rather than worksheets, and pre- recorded video lessons.